How do I apply for SNAP?

Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.

Can I use a food bank without applying?

Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.

Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?

Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is summer food service?

USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.

Food Assistance in Georgia

15 verified resources.

About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Georgia

Georgia superior courts hear divorce and custody in each of its 159 counties. The Division of Child Support Services under DHS handles enforcement. Atlanta anchors the state; Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and Athens round out major metros. Atlanta Legal Aid and Georgia Legal Services Program are the two primary civil legal aid organizations, with specific fathers' rights and child support help available.

15 Resources

1. Georgia SNAP (Food Stamps) — Free

Apply for monthly food assistance through the Georgia Gateway portal at gateway.ga.gov or by calling DFCS at 1-877-423-4746. Available for families, individuals, and noncustodial parents who meet income guidelines. Benefits load monthly to an EBT card usable at grocery stores. Bring proof of income, photo ID, Social Security numbers, and residence documentation for your application. Fathers who are the primary caregiver for their children may qualify for higher benefit amounts.

1-877-423-4746 · Statewide county DFCS offices · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; online 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Atlanta Community Food Bank — Free

Distributes over 9.7 million pounds of food monthly through 700+ partner agencies in 29 counties across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. Find a nearby partner food pantry at acfb.org. The food bank serves anyone in need regardless of income documentation at many sites. Call 404-892-9822 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for information. Drive-through distributions are held periodically at various community locations throughout the metro area.

404-892-9822 · 3500 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; pantry hours vary by location · Visit Website

3. Second Harvest of South Georgia — Free

Largest rural food bank in Georgia, serving 26 counties in south Georgia. Hunger relief through 200+ partner agencies, food pantries, and mobile distributions. Find a partner pantry near you at feedingsga.org. Located at 3408 Country Club Rd in Valdosta. Call 229-244-2678 Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm. Serves the Valdosta, Albany, Thomasville, and Tifton areas. No income documentation required at many distribution sites.

229-244-2678 · 3408 Country Club Rd, Valdosta, GA 31605 · Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia — Free

Regional food bank serving the Savannah area and southeast Georgia coast through a network of 200+ partner agencies. Provides food to pantries, shelters, and community programs across the Savannah metro and surrounding coastal counties. Located at 1380 Chatham Pkwy in Savannah. Call 912-236-6750 Mon–Fri 8am–4pm for pantry locations and distribution information. Visit helpendhunger.org to find the nearest food pantry in the coastal Georgia region.

912-236-6750 · 1380 Chatham Pkwy, Savannah, GA 31405 · Mon–Fri 8am–4pm · Visit Website

5. WIC Georgia — Free

Supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5. Income-based eligibility. Provides monthly food benefits on an EBT card for specific nutritious foods, plus breastfeeding support and health referrals. Fathers can apply on behalf of their children. Call 1-800-228-9173 or visit dph.georgia.gov/wic to find the nearest clinic. Bring proof of income, residency, and the child's medical records or immunization documents.

1-800-228-9173 · Statewide county health departments · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

6. Feeding Georgia Network — Free

Statewide network of food banks serving all 159 Georgia counties. Find your nearest food bank and local distribution sites at feedinggeorgia.org. Member food banks include Atlanta Community Food Bank, Golden Harvest, Second Harvest of South Georgia, Second Harvest Coastal, and Middle Georgia Community Food Bank. No fee to use the directory. Families can search by county to find pantries, mobile distributions, and partner agencies near them.

Statewide food bank network · Varies by location · Visit Website

7. TEFAP – Georgia Emergency Food (DFCS) — Free

The Emergency Food Assistance Program distributes USDA commodity foods through Georgia food banks and pantries for low-income households. Foods include canned goods, grains, dairy products, and protein items. Distribution is managed through DFCS and local food banks. No application required at most pantry sites. Call 1-877-423-4746 or contact your nearest food bank to find a TEFAP distribution site in your county. Available in all 159 Georgia counties.

1-877-423-4746 · Distributed through food banks statewide · Varies by distribution site · Visit Website

8. Golden Harvest Food Bank (Augusta) — Free

Regional food bank serving 25 counties in the Central Savannah River Area and surrounding region. Distributes food through partner pantries and mobile distribution sites across the Augusta metro and rural surrounding counties. Located at 3310 Commerce Dr in Augusta. Call 706-736-1199 Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm. Visit goldenharvest.org to find the nearest pantry or mobile distribution. No income documentation required at most distribution sites.

706-736-1199 · 3310 Commerce Dr, Augusta, GA 30909 · Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Middle Georgia Community Food Bank (Macon) — Free

Food bank serving 24 counties in middle Georgia through a network of partner agencies and community pantries. Serves the Macon metro area and surrounding rural counties. Located at 4728 Log Cabin Dr in Macon. Call 478-742-5506 Mon–Fri 8am–4pm. Visit mgcfb.org to find the nearest pantry or distribution site in your county. No income documentation required at most partner pantry locations throughout the middle Georgia service area.

478-742-5506 · 4728 Log Cabin Dr, Macon, GA 31204 · Mon–Fri 8am–4pm · Visit Website

10. Hosea Helps – Atlanta Food Distribution — Free

Atlanta nonprofit conducting large-scale food and resource distributions for families in need throughout the year. Events are held at various community locations in Atlanta, often distributing groceries, household goods, and personal care items in addition to food. Located at 2190 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW. Call 404-755-3353 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm or check the Hosea Helps calendar online for upcoming distribution events. All are welcome at no charge.

404-755-3353 · 2190 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 · Call for distribution schedule

11. Community Assistance Center (Sandy Springs/Dunwoody) — Free

Food pantry and emergency assistance for north metro Atlanta residents in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody including groceries and utility bill assistance. Income guidelines apply; bring proof of address and income. Located at 1130 Hightower Trail in Sandy Springs. Call 770-552-4889 Mon–Fri 9am–4pm for an appointment. CAC also provides clothing assistance and case management referrals. Serves residents of Fulton, DeKalb, and surrounding north metro Atlanta communities.

770-552-4889 · 1130 Hightower Trail, Atlanta, GA 30350 · Mon–Fri 9am–4pm · Visit Website

12. Concrete Jungle (Atlanta) — Free

Atlanta nonprofit harvesting fruit from local trees and urban farms to distribute free fresh produce to food pantries, shelters, and community organizations. Volunteers collect fruit that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to people experiencing food insecurity. Located in Atlanta. Call 404-576-9276 or visit concrete-jungle.org for harvest schedules and to sign up as a volunteer. Free produce is distributed to partner agencies across the metro Atlanta area.

404-576-9276 · Atlanta, GA · Varies by harvest schedule · Visit Website

13. Meals on Wheels Atlanta — Free

Home-delivered meals for homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in metro Atlanta. Each delivery also serves as a wellness check for isolated individuals. Meals are provided Monday through Friday. Eligibility is based on homebound status and age or disability. Call 404-351-3889 Mon–Fri for information on enrollment and waiting list status. Located at 1705 Commerce Dr NW in Atlanta. Volunteer drivers are also welcome to apply through the website at mowatl.org.

404-351-3889 · 1705 Commerce Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 · Mon–Fri delivery · Visit Website

14. Open Hand Atlanta — Free

Home-delivered medically tailored meals for people with chronic illnesses including HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and other conditions in the Atlanta metro area. Free for qualifying individuals. Meals are designed by registered dietitians to meet specific medical nutrition needs. Located at 181 Armour Dr NE in Atlanta. Call 404-872-8089 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm to apply or refer someone for services. A doctor's referral is typically required for enrollment.

404-872-8089 · 181 Armour Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

15. Georgia Summer Meals (USDA) — Free

Free summer meals for children 18 and under at schools, parks, and community sites across Georgia when school is out of session. No registration or income verification required. To find a meal site near you, text FOOD to 304304 or call 1-866-348-6479. Sites operate during summer months with varied hours. Fathers can bring their children to any open site. Visit fns.usda.gov for the site locator tool and additional Georgia-specific program information.

1-866-348-6479 · Statewide sites – text FOOD to 304304 · Summer months · Visit Website

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?: Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?: Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?: Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?: USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.